This sample press release can be edited to fit your needs and distributed to local media on your letterhead. This is a terrific opportunity for your agency to tell the public about the essential services your organization provides for pets and people in your community.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Person
Date
Phone Number

[SHELTER NAME] ANNOUNCES FOSTER PROGRAM FOR THE PETS OF MILITARY PERSONNEL

The [SHELTER NAME] is encouraging military personnel to make arrangements with family and friends for their pet's care in case they are called for duty. "We urge military families to work hard to keep their pets within the family and resist relinquishing these beloved pets to shelters,"said [NAME OF SHELTER SPOKESPERSON] of the [SHELTER NAME]. "It is very important to keep loved ones close during these uncertain times—this includes the four-legged members of our families."

If you are unable to arrange care for your pet and need assistance, contact [SHELTER NAME] at [SHELTER PHONE]. The [SHELTER NAME] has begun a foster program to provide temporary homes for pets who must be left behind by military personnel called for duty by the United States Armed Forces. The foster program provides temporary care for up to 24 months and makes it possible for the military owner to reclaim their beloved pet upon their return home.

"We hope to eliminate at least one of the worries for our men and women in the service, and help provide them with peace of mind that their pet is being cared for while they are away,"said [LAST NAME OF SHELTER SPOKESPERSON].

[SHELTER NAME] is also collecting names of people willing to provide a foster home for a pet. Volunteers will be interviewed to determine whether they are able to provide the care needed and what type of pet they can foster.

Anyone looking for a permanent animal addition to their family is invited to visit the [SHELTER NAME], which always has healthy, lovable dogs and cats available for adoption.

Donations to offset the cost of caring for all the animals and for services like the foster program should be sent to the [SHELTER NAME AND ADDRESS].

[OPTIONAL PARAGRAPH]:

[SHELTER NAME] is also starting a pet food bank to provide free pet food to military families as well as others whose income providers may have been laid off from their jobs as a result of recent events. The public is asked to donate food for the pet food bank to the [SHELTER NAME]. Unopened packages of dog and cat food can be dropped off at [ADDRESS OF COLLECTION POINT]. In addition, military families and others who need assistance with veterinary care for their pets should contact [SHELTER NAME].